Population ageing and improved healthcare may lead to an increase in the prevalence of stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of stroke and stroke-related disability in a population sample resident in Aosta, Italy. The information was collect using a simple questionnaire for first ever stroke in the past combined with the analysis of the patients' medical records and integrated with the information reported by six general practitioners. 102 cases of stroke were identified in the study population of 6,930 subjects, for an overall prevalence per 1,000 inhabitants of 1.4 (95% CI 0.81-1.99), which increased to 4.79 (95% CI 3.29-6.29) in subjects aged >or= 65 years. Fifty-nine percent of the cases were completely or partially dependent (Rankin scores of 2-5). At the time of interview, 72% were living at home. Our data do not reveal any increase in the prevalence of stroke, possibly because of a reduced incidence of the disease.